The Durex Global Sexual Wellbeing 2006-07 Survey

The Durex Global Sexual Wellbeing 2006-07 Survey questioned 26,032 people across 26 countries about their sex lives to identify what constitutes sexual wellbeing. 35% of UK men and women claim to be getting little or no satisfaction compared with 44% of all respondents claiming to be having high levels of satisfaction with their sex lives. In Japan, just 15% are very satisfied and in France only one in four currently enjoy sex. Lack of pain and other physical problems are key to sexual satisfaction. 35% of UK women (44% of the global sample) have suffered from vaginal dryness that is particularly prevalent among teenagers and 31% of men have difficulty in having an erection (42% globally). A quarter of all Brits have also experienced painful sex (a third globally).

In Britain sex occurs on average 92 times a year - compared to a global figure of 103 - with the Greeks (164 times) Brazilians (145) and Poles (143) leading the way but the Japanese having sex just 48 times. British respondents spend 16 minutes for love making sessions compared to the slightly longer-lasting global average of 18. Fifty-three percent of UK respondents usually have an orgasm compared to just 48% worldwide. Twice as many men (64%) as women regularly have orgasms and age-wise the 65-plus group are most likely to reach ultimate satisfaction. 43% identified the importance of introducing experimentation to improve satisfaction with role-playing, sexual fantasies and massage topping wishlists.

More than three in ten people in Britain believe their sex lives would be improved by lower levels of stress and tiredness, more quality time with their partners and increased libidos. More romance, tenderness and love is also seen as beneficial. Investing in a stable, long term relationship is important with these people being happiest with their sex lives. Mutual respect is also a vital component of a happy sex life as more than eight in ten people who feel they are respected by their partner are sexually satisfied too.